Everything You Need to Know About Scholarships and Study Grants in the UAE
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7 minutes to read· Updated 03:55 PM,September 24,2025
Study scholarships in the UAE offer a vital opportunity, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing education and developing national skills. This generous support enables Emirati students to access distinguished academic programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, whether within the country or at prestigious universities worldwide. These scholarships demonstrate dedication to building a knowledgeable and skilled society, forming an integral part of ongoing efforts to strengthen education and foster professional development. They enhance academic capabilities and encourage excellence, contributing to a strong and sustainable future for UAE citizens.
About Study Scholarships for UAE Nationals
Scholarship Programs for Emirati Citizens
The Ministry of Education in the UAE offers outstanding Emirati students the chance to pursue higher education abroad at recognized local and international universities. This is particularly for fields not currently offered by UAE colleges and universities, despite their growing demand in the national job market. Before applying, applicants must certify their secondary school diploma to proceed with overseas studies.
Conditions for Academic Scholarships for UAE Nationals
With the start of the new academic year, interest in free study scholarships for Emirati students increases significantly. Below are the key requirements for obtaining such scholarships:
Applicants must be citizens of the United Arab Emirates
Submission of a character and conduct certificate
Applicants must be under 21 years of age
Must have achieved a minimum average of 90% in secondary school
Passing an English proficiency exam (Academic IELTS) with a score of 6 or equivalent (TOEFL 70 or higher)
Proof of acceptance from a university, which must be approved by the Ministry
Agreement to study a third language, if required
Commitment to serve in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a diplomatic role for a duration equal to the years of study
Approval to join the UAE Diplomatic Academy after graduation
Parental consent
*Note: Additional assessments, interviews, and other criteria may apply during the application process.
Eligible Groups for UAE Study Scholarships
These scholarship and sponsorship programs are available to specific groups of students, including:
Undergraduate students
Postgraduate students
Self-funded students interested in joining sponsored programs
Highly accomplished students
Working students
Application Steps for Scholarships and Sponsorships
Application Process for Scholarships and Sponsorships
Qualified Emirati students who meet the academic standards and criteria can apply online through the official ministry portal. The state covers all related expenses and financial obligations associated with the sponsorship. This reflects the UAE’s dedication to supporting high-achieving Emirati students in pursuing studies at top global institutions. Below are the detailed steps for applying for a UAE-sponsored academic program:
Create an account and log in via the online system
Fill out the initial questions correctly before starting the application
Register a new account or sign in using your user credentials or digital ID
Complete all required personal and institutional information, including:
Student details such as passport, enrollment, and national ID information
Contact information including phone number and email address
School-related data
Health status, especially if the applicant has special needs or specific medical conditions
Selection of higher education institutions
Upload all required documents and files
Review and confirm all submitted information
Submit the application
After submission, you will receive an email containing your application number and follow-up instructions
Application reviewed by the specialized team
Once received, the sponsorship office staff begin verifying the accuracy of information and documents
Officials check eligibility criteria against the information provided in the application
Prepare a list of shortlisted applications for potential sponsorship
After collecting a sufficient number of eligible applications, the director of the sponsorship office presents them to the sponsorship committee for final decision (approval or rejection)
Following the decision, selected candidates are contacted to schedule personal interviews
Final scholarship decisions are finalized and approved
Accepted candidates are contacted to complete required formalities for the sponsorship, including coordination with embassies, cultural offices, and foreign missions to inform them of student placements
Benefits Provided for Sponsored Students
Sponsored Emirati students receive monthly and annual financial allowances. Key benefits include:
Health insurance coverage for the student and family members
Annual book allowance of 6,000 AED
Travel allowance of 5,000 AED
Flight tickets:
Single students: two round-trip tickets per year
Married students: one round-trip ticket per year for the student, spouse, and children
Full coverage of all academic fees and related costs
Financial benefits are determined based on the location of study
Housing costs are covered from the student’s stipend
Monthly stipend amounts in AED vary based on study location and personal status, as shown in the table below:
Country
Single
Married
Country
USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Single
18,000 AED
Married
22,000 AED
Country
Europe, China, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan
Single
22,000 AED
Married
24,000 AED
Country
Japan, South Korea
Single
30,000 AED
Married
35,000 AED
Country
Asia, Africa, South America
Single
15,000 AED
Married
18,000 AED
Approved Fields for Sponsorship
The list of approved academic disciplines for sponsorship by the UAE Ministry of Education includes leading scientific fields. Below are the recognized faculties and programs:
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Archaeology
Architecture
Art and Design
Ancient and Classical History
English Language and Literature
History
Linguistics and Modern Languages
Performing Arts
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Chemical Engineering
Civil and Structural Engineering
Computer Science and Information Systems
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering
Metallurgy and Mining Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences
Agriculture and Forestry
Anatomy and Physiology
Biological Sciences
Dentistry
Medicine
Nursing
Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Psychiatry
Veterinary Medicine
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Physics and Astronomy
Mathematics
Environmental Sciences
Earth and Ocean Sciences
Chemistry
Materials Science
Geography
Geology
Earth Physics
Social Sciences and Administration
Accounting and Finance
Anthropology
Business and Management
Communication and Media Studies
Development Studies
Economics and Econometrics
Education
Hospitality and Entertainment Management
Law
Library and Information Management
Political and International Studies
Social Policy and Administration
Sociology
Sports-related topics
Statistics and Operations Research
Criteria for Selecting Disciplines and Universities
The Ministry of Education ensures that sponsorships are granted only for programs meeting these standards:
Ranked among the top 50 universities in the desired field, according to official Ministry rankings
Ranked among the top 200 universities in the desired field, and within the top 200 globally, except in the USA and Australia
Ranked among the top 100 universities in the desired field
Ranked among the top 100 universities globally in the USA and Australia, according to Ministry-approved lists
Located in one of the designated countries for sponsorship
Required Documents for Scholarship Applications
Required Documents for UAE Study Scholarships
To qualify for a UAE study scholarship, applicants must submit the following documents:
Valid passport copy (including the last page with the unified number)
Copy of enrollment certificate
Copy of national ID (both sides)
Copy of birth certificate
Color photograph
Transcripts from grades 10, 11, and 12 (first semester)
One internationally recognized English language certificate
University admission letter
Character and conduct certificate
*Note: All documents must be uploaded in PDF format during registration.
Stages Applicants Go Through After Acceptance to Become UAE Diplomats
There are three main stages applicants must complete to become UAE diplomats:
Enroll in
Stage One
The student is sent abroad to pursue undergraduate studies and earn a bachelor’s degree.
Stage Two
Upon graduation, the student must enroll in the UAE Diplomatic Academy and complete a postgraduate diploma in Emirati Diplomacy and International Relations.
Stage Three
Graduates are required to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as a Diplomatic Attaché.
Designated Countries for Sponsorship from the UAE
Countries Designated for Sponsorship from the UAE
The UAE Ministry of Higher Education has selected several countries to send outstanding Emirati students abroad for advanced studies at world-class universities, whether for bachelor’s or master’s degrees. For more information on these countries, refer to the list below:
United States of America
Canada
Australia
United Kingdom
South Korea
Germany
France
Sweden
Singapore
Japan
China
Switzerland
Belgium
Denmark
Netherlands
Hong Kong
Taiwan
India
Russia
Ireland
Other Government Programs Offering Scholarships for UAE Nationals
The UAE government provides diverse public programs to promote education by offering scholarships to nationals, enabling students to pursue higher education without significant financial burden. These initiatives support success and advancement across various sectors. They cover multiple disciplines and academic levels, reflecting the government’s commitment to skill development and elevating national educational standards.
Office of Academic Sponsorships – Presidential Affairs Ministry
The Office of Academic Sponsorships aims to identify exceptional Emirati students and send them on academic missions to distinguished local and international universities. It oversees the management of overseas sponsorships and domestic scholarships.
Academic Sponsorships – Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge offers unique educational opportunities for high-achieving Emirati students to enroll in bachelor’s programs at renowned universities worldwide. Targeted groups include grade 12 students and those already enrolled in bachelor’s programs at foreign universities.
UAE Communications and Digital Government Authority Scholarship Program
The Communications and Digital Government Authority’s Development Fund provides scholarships to Emirati citizens through its “Sponsorship” program, aimed at supporting and nurturing highly qualified national talents in telecommunications and information technology fields. The fund has invested heavily in this program, securing hundreds of seats for bachelor’s and master’s degrees at top UAE and global universities, particularly in the USA, Japan, Australia, and the UK.
Masarat Scholarship Program – Ministry of Finance
The UAE Ministry of Finance launched the Masarat Scholarship Program to attract and support Emirati high school graduates, both male and female, to obtain academic qualifications in finance, accounting, and related fields at accredited institutions nationwide, with subsequent employment in the Ministry of Finance.
Intaj Scholarship Program – Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
The Intaj Scholarship Program, launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, supports high school graduates planning to continue their studies in science and engineering. The program aims to increase the number of Emirati engineers and enhance their expertise and skills to build a knowledge-based economy.
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